Players of African descent representing European national football teams: a double-edged sword

Abstract

ABSTRACT As Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) plans to host the Euro Cup 2020 (now deferred to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) in 12 cities of 12 countries around Europe, one feature that will stand out is the conspicuous presence of players of African descent. As UEFA celebrates the 60th anniversary of the tournament, it is worthwhile to reflect over the composition of the European national football teams in the twenty-first century and specifically analyse the history and dynamics that this opportunity presents to the players of African descent and the resultant national identity implications. Going by the composition of European teams at the 2018 World Cup, the presence of African players is a growing phenomenon. Initially, such phenomenon was confined to once colonizing and colonized nations such as Portugal and Mozambique; France and Morocco, Senegal and Algeria, among others. However, recent developments show that players of African descent are turning out for countries that had no colonial links.